July 2013 Motor Pool Messenger - Military Transport Association

MTA of NJ Newsletter Page 1 July 2013

ON THE COVER –On the left, a WWII Jeep Willys MB and on
the right a Jeep M151. (Photo from The Adventurous Eye
Collection).
MTA 2013 Officers and Staff
President- Randy Emr
Tel: 973-219-4499
Email: randyemr@aol.com
Vice President- Dennis Vecchiarelli
Tel: 973-338-9497
Email: dvecc907@gmail.com
Sergeant at Arms-Scott Fleck
Tel: 908-391-2777
Email:smoking_diesel62@yahoo.com
Treasurer-Ginnie McDevitt
Tel: 845-987-7896
Parade/Event Coordinator-Peter Schindo
Tel:201-456-4071
Email: schindop@optonline.net
Membership Chairman-Fred Schlesinger
Tel:908-617-5066
Email: fred@mtaofnj.us
Recording Secretary-George Wagner
Tel: : 973-927-7616 Email: wagnergm@verizon.net
Newsletter Editor-Dave Steinert
Tel: 973-347-9091 Email: dsteinert@optonline.net
Web Master-George Wagner
Tel: 973-927-7616 Email:wagnergm@verizon.net
2013 Sussex Show Chairman- Fran Antico
Tel: 973-670-1277 Email: FranA@mtaofnj.org
The next MTA monthly meeting will be held on
Saturday, July 13th 2013 at the picnic facility of MTA
Member Carmen Toto in Madison, NJ. The facility is
located on Kings Road adjacent to the Madison
YMCA. The festivities will begin at 12:00 noon, so
bring your family, bring your swim gear and bring
your military vehicle. If you are planning on
attending, please contact Dennis Vecchiarelli (973-
338-9497 or email:dvecc907@gmail.com) ASAP, so
a head count can be determine for the preparation
of food and drink.
Military Transport Association
Meeting Minutes for June 10 th 2013
Meeting Started at 8:03 PM
The meeting was held at the American Legion Hall in
Whippany, NJ. A Pledge of Allegiance & Moment of Silence –
Prayer, led by Sergeant-At-Arms Scott Fleck started the
meeting. Scott reminded all in attendance to keep the private
conversations to a minimum, to respect each of the reporting
committee members.
The Minutes of the previous meeting, as they appear in the
newsletter, were approved.
Pres. Randy Emr recognized no new members but called up
a relatively new MTA member Brent Weaver,
to recount his first parade with the MTA. He and
Randy both pursued finding the start of the Parsippany
parade. This parade changes the start point and route every
year. Much kidding was bantered back and forth. They
eventually found the parade and didn‟t miss anything.
Club Office Reports
Parades – Chairman Peter Schindo – Peter covered the 4 th
of July, polling the membership to get the final two parades
covered.
The question was raised, „Are members covered with
the secondary insurance coverage provided by the MTA while
attending a non-sanctioned event?”. The answer is no!
A membership voted event, which will appear on The
Club schedule, is a sanctioned event. The Club schedule
appears in both the newsletter and the website. The most up
to date event changes, which cannot make the newsletter or
website in time, are emailed via the MTA List. This
clarification was motioned, voted and approved without
dissention.
Newsletter – Chairman Dave Steinert thanked George
Wagner for last month‟s meeting minutes. Dave also
recognized Lucas Nooter contributing the “Rebuilding the
Iraqi Army” article. Everyone present also commented on the
great motorcycle article Dave Steinert offered in the Motor
Pool Messenger last month. A round of applause erupted,
Good Job Dave!
Website – No report.
ROB (Railroad Operating Battalion) – Chairman John
Sobotka mentioned the repacking effort that will be
conducted on the following weekends to reorganize The Club
Baggage Car. A lot of the gear we use is going to be stored
here in Rockaway.
John also talked about the Whippany Train Museum
event on June 22nd. John asked if they can borrow several
sets of tables and chairs from anyone who has them to lend.
Please contact John if you can help. A rain date of June 29 th
is planned, just in case.
The Red Ball & MTA Summer Picnic date has been
set for Saturday, August 17 th 2013. John is looking for
volunteers to help with both setups and/or break downs. We
are going to get a dumpster again this year. It really simplifies
things if all we have to do is collect the garbage.
A “trail ride rule” is being readied and will be
employed this year at Sven‟s. We want to better handle any
emergency situations, if they occur, in a quick and efficient
manner. But foremost, we want to prevent accidents before
they happen.
Fred Castenschold also presented two other events
where their organizers are asking for military vehicles in
attendance from the MTA:
A Salute to our Vets – July 13 th and 14 th 2013,
Veterans Memorial Park, Rt46 East, Parsippany NJ
http://www.sotafoundation.org/What-s-going-on-.html
Operation Chillout - August 10, 2013, VASA Park,
(Budd Lake) Hackettstown, NJ.
http://operationchilloutpresentsvetssummerfest2013-
es2.eventbrite.com/?rank=22#
Please remember if you attend these events, any
positive publicity or handouts supporting the MTA would be
appreciated.
MTA of NJ Newsletter Page 2 July 2013

Treasurers Report – Dennis Vecchiarelli delivered the
report the following treasury report:
Old Business – none
New Business – Pres. Randy Emr made a suggestion to
move the monthly meeting date from the second Monday of
each month, to the first Thursday of each month. A motion
was made, voted and carried that the September meeting
will be held on Thursday, September 5 th at the hall.
The July meeting will be held on Saturday, July 13 th ,
in Madison NJ. At MTA member Carmen Toto‟s picnic facility
adjacent to the Madison YMCA.
We are going to host two NJANG Armory BBQ picnics this
year. One will be at the Flemington facility and the other will
be at the Teaneck facility. Efforts are under way to get dates.
More information will follow.
OMS7 – No presentation as Chairman Steve Vidam was
absent.
2013 Show & Swap Meet (Postmortem) – Chairman Fran
Antico – Fran thanked everyone who got involved. She
indicated that the last couple of bills have yet to arrive, so a
final tally will be presented at the next meeting.
Chairman Al Mellini – „Cookie‟ began with the
summation, the food was great again this year. The catering
staff did a tremendous job this year. CERT was again a big
help this year. Cookie then recognized his greatest helper,
90- year old Jack Bennett, who was absolutely tireless in the
kitchen once again. Jeff Bennett, Jack‟s son, manned the
cash register in the afternoon; Jack White handled the job in
the morning. Jack Pellington handled moving all the food to
the satellite station throughout the fairgrounds. Dorothy
Ames was the “Egg Goddess” cooking all day. Lucas Nooter
and Anita Roberts took orders all day. Chris and Vinnie
Mazzei were the hotdog masters this year. Bill Murphy
dispensed the soda. Ed and Sue Eyring were the Danish
team, delivering wonderful baked goods from their hometown
bakery. Mark Mellini performed Server duties. Special thanks
went to Lou Campanielle for hauling all the food to and from
The Military Kitchen Trailer.
Chairman Fred Schlesinger - Vendor space was a
sellout. Let‟s look at possibly expanding for next year. Fred
indicated that almost every vendor expressed gratitude for all
the things The MTA has provided as part of our superior show
vendor support.
Chairman Korean War Veterans – Tom McHugh reported
that 34 Challenge coins were sold at the show. This
generated a lot of interest in helping the wounded veterans.
The truck pull was a great fun event and it is planned
for next year.
Next year‟s show meetings will start in a couple of
months. Talk is underway about moving the date one week
earlier to try and avoid a conflict with other events taking
place at the same time.
A quick poll of the membership about any outstanding
yard signage from the show determined that If you want to
return it, bring it to The Club‟s baggage car. Otherwise, keep
them until next year‟s show.
For the Good of the Club – Pres. Randy Emr recognized
Jack Pellington as the (first) MTA Veteran of the Year. A
specially made MTA cap bearing the honor was presented to
Jack along with a Challenge coin. A round of applause was
loud and long. Congratulations Jack.
The food venue was catered hot trays of Chicken
Marsala, Eggplant Parmesan, and Sausage & Peppers, along
with pizza(s). Thank you again Brett, the stuff was delicious
as usual!
A 50-50 was conducted, and the meeting was adjourned at
9:20 PM.
Submitted Respectively
By George Wagner
MTA of NJ Newsletter Page 3 July 2013

The Chronological History
Of the U.S. Military Jeep (1/4-Ton)
By Dave Steinert
I know the following information is common knowledge
among our older and more knowledgeable members, but I believe
with the influx of many new and younger members to the MTA, it is
important to inform them on the history of the vehicle that initiated
the creation of this club many years ago. A vehicle, whose service
has spanned many decades of use by all branches of the United
States Military, the following information is reprinted with permission
from Scott Strance, Webmaster at;
http://www.m38a1.com/resources/history.htm.
Bantam Pilot (BRC-60)
Years Produced: 1940
No of Units: 70
Using the term that has
become generic in the
English language, this is the
undisputed first "Jeep". Built
by the American Bantam Car
Company of Butler, PA, it
was delivered to Camp
Holabird, MD on 23-Sep-40.
The first vehicle of a 70
vehicle contract, "Old
Number One' was tested thoroughly and then spent the rest of its
short life as a demo vehicle. It was wrecked in a traffic accident early
in 1941, sent back to Butler and disassembled. The mechanical
pieces were probably incorporated into the Bantam Mark IIs that
were then in production. Legend has it that the useable body
sections were buried along with a pile of scrap on the Bantam
grounds (US Army)
Willys Quad
Years Produced: 1940
No of Units: 2
Willys built two Quads in the
competition for a large-scale
contract and this is the
vehicle that won it. The
Quad's major asset was its
60hp "Go-Devil" engine that
literally blew the doors off
Bantam and Ford (the other
two contenders for the Army
contract) The Quad, however, was a heavyweight and had to go on
a big-time diet to meet the Army's requirements: when re-weighed, it
was ounces inside of the 2,160 pound limit. Both Quads have since
disappeared, but one lasted long enough to be photographed in the
early 1950s. If Bantam Number One marked the beginning of the
Jeep era, the Quad marked the beginning of Willys dominance of the
series (Jeep Public Relations).
Ford Pygmy
Years Produced: 1940
No of Units: 2
The Pygmy was Ford's
competitor in the contract
race. Two were built, one by
Ford and the other by Budd.
The Ford unit was accepted
for testing and was run
alongside the Bantam and
Willys units. The Ford's
overall layout was highly
praised and became the
pattern for the later Willys MB. Like the Bantam, the Pygmy fell
victim to the Quad's more powerful engine. The vehicle in the picture
is the actual unit that was tested at Holabird in 1940. Owned by the
Alabama Center of Military History, the Ford is the only remaining
survivor of the fierce, three-way competition that marked the opening
chapter of the Jeep legend that survives to this day. (Alabama
Center for Military History - Reprinted with permission)
Ford GP
Years Produced: 1941
No of Units: 3,700
A direct descendent of the
Pygmy, the Ford GP was an
undated model produced
under an initial contract for
1,500 vehicles from Ford,
Willys and Bantam. As
Lend-Lease requirements
increased and the Willys
design was finalized for
mass production, more GPs were ordered, and Ford ended up
building 4,456 units, most of which went to Lend-Lease. Contrary to
popular belief, the GP did not stand for "General Purpose". GP was
a Ford engineering term, "G" for Government contract vehicle and
"P" for 80 inch wheelbase Reconnaissance Car. Of the three early
Jeep models, Ford has the most remaining specimens: about 200
are known to remain including Steve Greenberg's restored '41 to the
left. (Steve Greenberg - Reprinted with permission)
Willys MA
Years Produced: 1941
No of Units: 1,553
Willys knew that the Army would want an improved model and
started development of the MA even as the Quad was being tested.
In the three-way deal, 1,500
MAs were ordered. The MA
was definitely an evolutionary
vehicle. Very much different
than the later MB, the MA
featured a column shift and a
host of other detailed
changes that put it between
the Quad and the MB. The
basic drive-train was still the
Warner Gear and Spicer
components of the Quad, Ford and Bantam. The MA is the least
common of the pre-production Willys, with only about 30 examples
knows to exist of the 1,553 originally built; most were sent to Russia
under Lend-Lease. This MA belongs to the Alabama Center of
Military History. (Alabama Center of Military History - Reprinted with
permission)
Bantam BRC
Years Produced: 1941
No of Units: 2,605
The BRC-40 was the final evolution of the Bantam design. The Army
initially contracted for 1,500 units, but 2,605 were eventually
assembled. Bantam ceased
motor vehicle production
after the last was built in
December of 1941 and
carried on building trailers,
torpedo motors and landing
gear. The BRC-40 had
many fine features and was
well liked by the Allied
forces that used it; it's light
weight and nimble handling
was particularly noteworthy. At least 100 BRC-40s have survived the
years, making them the second most common of the pre-production
MTA of NJ Newsletter Page 4 July 2013

1/4 tons. This restored BRC-40 belongs to Steve Greenberg of
Portland, OR (Steve Greenberg - Reprinted with permission)
Willys MB Slat Grill
Years Produced:
No of Units: 25,808
The first 25,808 Willys MBs
used a welded steel grille
very similar to the Ford GP
design, and there were a
host of other differences
from the later Willys. These
early MBs had "Willys"
embossed in the back panel.
In production, the slat grills
were given running changes
until they finally evolved into
the standard 'stamped-grille' MB we know and love. The slat
grills are an uncommon find these days; some sources say that
fewer than 25 survive. Owner Reg Hodgson of Edmonton,
Alberta, Canada is the Editor of Army Motors , the official
magazine of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association (Reg
Hodgson - Reprinted with permission)
Willys MB
Years Produced: Late 1941-Mid 1945
No of Units: 335,531
The hero of World War II.
Willys produced 335,531
units and they served in
every theater of war, in
every conceivable role and
with every Allied army. This
vehicle changed the way
Americans looked at the
automobile and added a
new word to our vocabulary:
Jeep. Early versions had
"Willys" embossed on the back panel, but the military frowned on
the free advertising and ordered the practice stopped. MBs are
plentiful, easily restored and a heck of a lot of fun. This superbly
restored 1944 MB belongs to Tony Standefer, of Bothell, WA
(Tony Standefer - Reprinted with permission)
Ford GPW
Years Produced: Late 1941-Mid 1945
No of Units: 281,578
Willys recognized the fact
early on that production
capability was limited to meet
the contract numbers
specified. So Willys subcontracted
with Ford to build
the MB under license
agreement with Ford Motor
Co. These units built by Ford,
known as the GPW for
Government, 80 inch wheelbase, were almost identical except for
a few distinct differences. First, most of the bolt heads included a
script "F". Secondly, the tailgate area was embossed with Ford in
script. These were the early models before the government
disallowed the practice of free advertising. This 1944 GPW (s/n
200493 11-May-44) is owned by Herb Tate of Austin TX. (Herb
Tate - Reprinted with permission)
Willys M38
Years Produced: 1950-1952 domestic use
No of Units: 45,473
A direct knockoff of the CJ-
3A, the M38 was upgraded for
GI use by a stronger frame
and suspension, a 24 volt
electrical system, and fullfloating
rear axle, in addition
to a multitude of military
accoutrements. These rigs
saw combat in Korea, but
production was low at 61,423
units. An export version was
built from 1953 to 1955 for foreign military forces. The headlight
guards, blackout lights, battery panel on the cowl and tool notches
on the body are the way to ID them. Some were equipped with
Ramsey winches. Reg Hodgson's M38 (shown here) is decked out in
Korean war vintage Canadian colors (Reg Hodgson - Reprinted with
permission)
Willys M38A1
Years Produced: 1952-1957
No of Units: 101,488 (80,290 domestic use / 21,198 foreign
sales)
This was the first
appearance of the 'roundfender'
Jeep that would
eventually become the CJ5.
The M38A1 was quite
different that the CJ5,
having a stronger chassis
and reversed front spring
shackles, in addition to the
military accoutrements such
as standardized GI
instruments and a 24 volt
electrical system. The M38A1 lasted quite awhile in military service.
Even after it was replaced by the high-tech Ford M151, they could be
seen in OD green as late as the 1970s. In all, 101,488 units were
produced, some of which went for export. This rig is owned by
George Baxter at Army Jeep Parts in Bristol, PA (George Baxter -
Reprinted with permission)
Willys M170
Years Produced: 1953-1963
No of Units: About 6,500
Although the M170 is often
referred to as the "military
version of the CJ-6," it
would be more correct to
call the CJ-6 a civvy M170.
As with the M38A1, this
new Jeep configuration
was developed first for the
military. Only about 6,500
four-cylinder M170's were
produced over ten years, many outfitted as field ambulances. Others
were used by the U.S. Marines as light six-man troop carriers. One
unique feature is the mounting of the spare tire inside the body on
the passenger side, to allow stretchers to extend over the tailgate
where the spare would normally be on a military Jeep. As a result,
the unusually large passenger side door opening is partially blocked,
particularly when a jerry can is mounted in front of the spare. The
driver's side door is the same as an M38A1. (Gary Keating -
Reprinted with permission)
MTA of NJ Newsletter Page 5 July 2013

Ford-American General M151
Years Produced: 1961-1969
No of Units: Production figures not available..
This series was
developed from the late
1950s to the early 1960s
and was delivered to the
Military in 1960 and
production of the various
models was by Ford,
Willys, Kaiser Jeep and
AM General, continuing
up to 1984. This vehicle
replaced the M38 and
M38A1 with a radically
different suspension system consisting of independent front and
rear trailing arms compared to live axles. In addition, the body
was significantly redesigned. These vehicles were reported to
have a higher incidence of roll-overs prompting the government
to design and install a Roll Over Protection System (ROPS) and
seat belts for all units. (Danny Kaiser - Reprinted with
permission).
For more information, visit the M151 Site at:
http://members.aol.com/muttguru/muttpage.html
Altogether we visited FOB Duke three times, with a few months
in between, and each time conditions had vastly improved.
Also, the first time we visited, the 1 st Cavalry personnel dropped
off pallets of Kuwaiti made water bottles and MRE's (meals ready to
eat). We stayed about a week sleeping in our trucks. The back seat
cushions turn into a bunk bed. During the day we tried to stay as cool as
possible under a blue tarp that my co-driver Spc Uzunis scavenged in
Kuwait. There were two porta potties for about 50 people and no
shower facilities. Shower bags hanging from the trucks and baby wipes
maintained a semblance of personal hygiene.
To defeat boredom we made a make-shift MWR (morale, welfare and
recreation) tent on the back of our trailer and showed DVD's at night.
At other nights we had roaring camp fires, made from wooden pellets,
and told “real” war stories.
FOB Duke was known as Najaf Ammunition depot. On June
2003 forty people were killed there, when looters accidentally started a
fire. The looters were trying to steal brass shell cases and while trying
to empty the powder from them, an explosion occurred. To make
matters worse, the depot has over a hundred bunkers packed with
various munitions.
FOB Duke is located about 13 miles northwest of Najaf in the
middle of a vast flat wasteland. The desolation made it a secure place to
be. When we arrived there for the first time, to transport 1 st Armored
Division equipment, there were very few amenities. After unloading,
we parked in a long line on a hardened sandy road creating our own
little temporary base.
MTA of NJ Newsletter Page 6 July 2013

The U.S civilians working at Camp Duke had the task of
emptying the bunkers and destroying the munitions. Every day around
noon they would set off the explosion. We would sit on top of our
trucks, which were miles from the bomb site, and watch the atom bomb
like blast. The sound would reach us after about 30 seconds.
To be continued…
For Sale: Old style Fisher Super Plow Frame. Truck end only. Late
1980s; GM P/U for ¾ or 1-ton truck. Complete set-up with every nut,
bolt, cables, wires lights. Pump runs off motor. $425 or B/O. Call
Jack @ 845-988-6081. (2/13).
For Sale-Assortment of M-35 and M-135/211 parts. Please email your
requests to ajtucophc@comcast.net
For Sale- 1959 M-100 trailer with a clean N.J. title,no rust,with extra
set of wheels. Someone cut a small door into the back panel that
doesn't take away from it. Otherwise in nice cond.that looks
good.It comes with two military generators (years unknown) also a
bow and both brackets for a M-38 jeep canvas top in it. $700. for
all,located in central N.J. Call Phil Galvano 732-539-4919
For Sale-Parting out a M37, have both body & engine parts. I also
have MB, GPW and CJ Jeep parts, plus some wheels for a CJ. One
bench seat for a 1953 Chevy pickup. Call Tom Weaver at (973)-627-
9448.
For Sale-Mil Spec primers and paints, OD and Camo. WWII Jeep
frames, front, rears, transmissions, PTOs, GI grease and oils. Call
Paul Wadeson at (607)-637-2275.
For Sale-2-1/2 ton Vietnam era troop seats, muliti fuel, bows &
winch. Runs great, needs a little cab work, $3500. Ben Hale Trailer -
1 ton with bows, lightly rusted, $300. 1968 M725 Ambulance - very
nice shape - everything is there. Rear gas heater, fresh paint,
European tires, $3,500. M37 parts, complete truck, part out with
winch. Halftrack parts - call for your needs hood, doors, radiators,
rims, winch, lights, cab parts, armor, electrical etc. Call Dave @917-
567-6419, NY
To add or remove listings from the Classifieds, please
email Dave Steinert at dsteinert@optonline.net or call
973-347-9091.
For Sale-U.S. Army 103A trailer for sale. Complete with good tires.
$500.00.If interested contact John Dorsch (John Dorsch Electric)
908-689-8300 . (6/13)
For Sale: I just got an interesting collection of new and lightly used
manuals on things like assembling a Harley WLA, correct locations
for pioneer tools and rifle bracket on M-series vehicles, electrical
circuit number ID, parachute rigging of a HMMWV for air drop, US
Army Survival Manual (new!), and the Bosnia Order of Battle
Handbook.
Full list at SwapMeetDave.com/Manuals.htm. Also got some new
books on tanks and wheeled vehicles; link from Manuals page. Dave
Ahl, 973-285-0716. (5/13)
For Sale: 1942 MB Slat Grill Jeep. The Jeep is in great shape and
runs well, garage kept with new battery. Comes with many extras,
including army radio, Hull compass, etc. Asking $15000 or best offer.
Call Gary at home at 201-865-1607 or his cell 551-482-1259. (5/13)
For Sale-1985 CUCV M1009, 87,500 miles, $3500. Please call Mike
@ 973-721-4251 for additional information. (3/13)
For Sale: U.S. WWII .50 cal. Side-latch ammo cans. Inside excellent
condition, outsides have some minor rusting spots, but no pitting.
$25 each. I can bring to meeting or swap meet. Bob Benson @973-
293-7101. (3/13)
For Sale-1952 M37 for parts, no engine, 1951 M37 in mint shape,
heat, winch, troop seats, 1968 M725 Jeep ambulance in great
shape, 1-ton trailer with bows, 2.5-ton w/winch, multi-fuel, troop
seats, runs great, needs sheet metal work. I‟m looking for halftrack
parts, T16 carrier parts, 105 MM Howitzer. I will buy train wrecks for
cash.!! , or trade call me Dave at 1-917-567-6419.
For Sale-I have just received some of the adjustable legs for the rear of the
M-101, ¾-ton trailers. These are new in the box (NOS), CARC color, $40
each plus shipping. I'm in Zip 21071 (Maryland). E-mail at
glengar@verizon.net, if interested. Tim Clark.
For Sale: Looking for a military vehicle? From projects to ground-up
Restorations and everything in between! Check out:
WWW.USMILITARYVEHICLES.COM
Parts Wanted: All for M-38. Lower Crankshaft Pulley, the smaller
one, w/o winch; Lifting Bracket; Oil Filter Bracket; Generator Support
Bracket; Oil PSI Switch & Bracket; Bell Housing, WO 81628 - early
bell-housing; Windshield & Frame. Robert 201-226-9289 .
Wanted -This is military vehicle
related request, because I want to
put my Mil Shelter on it and set it up
with all my truck tools. So, I can
have it mobile in my shop area. I am
looking for a 2-axle landscape or
equipment trailer 12ft to 14 ft long.
Used and rough shape is what I am
looking for. Better shape ok if the
price is right, Doesn't need to have
ramps, rust ok :), 973 219 4499 or
randy@aol.com
Wanted-For M725 drivers
compartment pull out style heater
control cables, knobs are marked
“heat, defrost and fresh air”. Marc
Ziegler (973) 263-1923.
MTA of NJ Newsletter Page 7 July 2013

Military Transport Association
Of North Jersey
P.O. Box 393
Budd Lake, NJ 07828
The next MTA monthly meeting
will be held on Saturday, July 13 th ,
starting at 12:30PM at the picnic
facility of MTA Member Carmen Toto
in Madison, NJ. Adjacent to the
Madison YMCA.
MTA of NJ Newsletter Page 8 July 2013